Oxymetholone (Anadrol / Anapolon) — Complete Guide
Oxymetholone — often called Anadrol or Anapolon — is a very strong oral steroid used to push strength and body weight up fast. In this guide, I explain what it is, how it works, realistic outcomes, dose ranges, and how to reduce risks with smart planning, blood work, and recovery. Educational content only — not medical advice.
TL;DR
- Powerful oral AAS; early strength and scale changes within 7–10 days are common.
- Does not aromatize, yet “estrogen-like” effects (water, chest sensitivity) can still occur via other pathways.
- Typical ranges: 25–50 mg/day for 3–6 weeks; higher doses escalate side effects sharply.
- Main risks: liver strain, lipid changes, elevated blood pressure, rising hematocrit — monitor with labs.
- Baseline → mid-cycle → post-cycle labs; track morning BP and symptoms.
- A steady testosterone base fits most programs; avoid double-oral stacks.
- PCT timing depends on ester length if you used a testosterone base.
What is Oxymetholone (Anadrol / Anapolon)
Oxymetholone is a tablet-based anabolic steroid historically used for certain anemias (it increases red blood cell production). In performance settings it’s known for very fast strength and body-weight increases.
Oxymetholone does not aromatize to estrogen. Even so, some people still feel “estrogen-like” effects — e.g., water retention or chest tenderness — through other pathways. That’s why standard aromatase inhibitors don’t fully address those specific reactions.
In the EU and UK, anabolic steroids are controlled substances. This guide is educational only and does not encourage non-medical use.
Chemistry & Mechanism of Action
Chemical class & structure
Oxymetholone is DHT-derived and 17-α-alkylated to survive oral administration. This preserves potency but raises liver considerations. It tends to produce a “fuller” look in many users despite no aromatization.
Pharmacokinetics
- Form: tablets/capsules.
- Half-life: ~8–9 hours; splitting into 1–2 intakes often improves comfort.
- Binding: may influence SHBG dynamics transiently.
- Clearance: hepatic; avoid alcohol and other liver-straining orals.
Physiological effects
- Protein balance: quick changes in strength/size with adequate training and food.
- RBCs/hematocrit: can rise; monitor for thickening blood and related symptoms.
- Water & sodium: intracellular water and subcutaneous fluid can increase; watch BP.
Oxymetholone vs Alternatives
| Compound | Aromatizes? | Look | Typical Oral Dose | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxymetholone (Anadrol / A50) | No (estrogen-like feelings possible) | Full / “Wet” | 25–50 mg/day | Fast strength/size, short bursts |
| Methandienone (Dianabol) | Yes | Wet | 20–40 mg/day | Mass and strength with a Test base |
| Stanozolol (Winstrol) | No | Dry / Hard | 20–40 mg/day | Cutting and strength with low water |
Benefits & Expected Results
- Strength: noticeable jumps within 7–10 days are common.
- Body weight: +2–6 kg early on (mix of water/glycogen and lean tissue).
- Training quality: heavy sets often feel more powerful with solid carbs/sleep.
- Appetite: varies; taking tablets with food can improve comfort.
- Joint feel: the “full” sensation may feel supportive under heavy loads.
Side Effects & Health Risks
Common issues
- Liver stress: keep cycles short; never stack two orals.
- Lipids/BP: HDL ↓, LDL/TG ↑; water can push BP higher.
- Suppression: endogenous testosterone drops; plan recovery.
- “Estrogen-like” without estrogen: puffiness/chest sensitivity possible; AIs don’t address oxymetholone’s own pathways.
- Skin/hair: acne/oil possible; hair responses vary.
- GI: nausea/heartburn in some; split doses with meals.
What increases risk
- High doses or cycles > 4–6 weeks
- Double-oral stacks (Anadrol + Dbol/Winstrol/Turinabol)
- High sodium + high carbs → more bloat/BP
- Pre-existing issues (liver/kidney/lipids/BP)
- Alcohol/analgesics that strain the liver
Monitoring & Lab Work
Baseline before you start, mid-cycle check, and post-cycle/PCT confirmation are your dashboard.
| Phase | What to test | Why | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before | CBC (hematocrit), liver (ALT/AST/GGT/bilirubin), kidney (creatinine/eGFR), lipids (HDL/LDL/TG), fasting glucose, thyroid (TSH ± T3/T4), hormones (TT/FT, LH/FSH), estradiol (LC-MS/MS), home BP | Flag risks; set baseline | 1–2 weeks prior |
| Mid-cycle | Liver, lipids, CBC, kidney, estradiol if on testosterone base, BP log | Adjust early | Week 3–4 |
| After/PCT | TT/FT, LH/FSH, lipids, liver, CBC, BP log | Confirm recovery | 4–6 weeks post-PCT |
- BP routine: morning, seated, 3–4×/week; track averages.
- Hematocrit: hydration, watch headaches; consult if high.
- Lipids: steps/cardio, fiber, omega-3s support improvements.
Dosage & Cycle Guidelines
Typical daily doses
| Experience | Daily dose | Duration | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| First time / cautious | 25 mg/day | 3–4 weeks | Learn individual response (GI, BP, liver) |
| Standard | 50 mg/day (25 mg AM + 25 mg PM) | 4–6 weeks | Strong results with manageable risk |
| Advanced only | 75–100 mg/day | ≤ 4–6 weeks | Edge cases; side effects grow quickly |
How to take it
- Split doses with meals if nausea/heartburn occurs.
- Hydrate; if swelling/puffiness appears, review sodium/carbs.
- Do not run orals back-to-back; real time off matters.
- Remember: AIs address estrogen from a testosterone base, not oxymetholone’s pathways.
Goal-based patterns
| Goal | Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kick-start mass/strength | 25–50 mg/day for first 3–4 weeks of a testosterone-based cycle | Front-loads performance; monitor BP/water |
| Short “power” pulse | 25–50 mg/day for 2–3 weeks during a heavy block | Lower volume, higher intensity pairs well |
| Recomp with appetite support | 25 mg/day for 4 weeks with moderate testosterone | Some digest/recover better at this dose |
Example cycles (educational)
| Weeks | Compounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6 | Testosterone Enanthate 350 mg/week + Oxymetholone 25–50 mg/day (weeks 1–4) | Early strength pop; mid-cycle labs week 3–4 |
| 1–8 | Testosterone Cypionate 400 mg/week; Oxymetholone 25 mg/day (weeks 5–8) | Late pulse for heavy phase; plan PCT by ester length |
Stacks & Combinations
Mass & strength (classic)
- Stable testosterone base (300–500 mg/week) + oxymetholone 25–50 mg/day for 4–6 weeks at the start.
- Nutrition: moderate carbs with fiber; keep sodium reasonable; add 2–3 steady-state cardio sessions weekly.
Powerbuilding / recomposition
- Testosterone base + boldenone (EQ) 300–600 mg/week; add oxymetholone 25–50 mg/day for a 3–4 week pulse in a heavy block.
- Note: EQ and oxymetholone can both raise hematocrit — monitor.
Advanced strength micro-cycle
- Keep testosterone steady; add oxymetholone 25–50 mg/day only for the final 2–3 weeks before a test day or mock meet.
- Control volume; focus on crisp technique and heavy singles/doubles.
What to avoid
- Two orals together (Anadrol + Dbol/Winstrol/Turinabol) → far more liver stress with little upside.
- Very “wet” stacks (e.g., high-E2 Test + Deca + Anadrol) → excessive water/BP.
Contraindications & Interactions
Higher-risk situations: active liver/kidney disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe dyslipidemia, history of cholestasis, untreated sleep apnea, prior steroid-induced erythrocytosis.
Common interactions (non-exhaustive): alcohol; high-dose acetaminophen; some oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin); azole antifungals; certain statins; frequent/high-dose NSAIDs — these can compound hepatic or lipid strain. Keep cycles short and avoid stacking risks.
Female Use — Why I Don’t Recommend It
Due to potency and androgenic profile, oxymetholone carries a higher risk of virilization in women (voice change, hair growth, clitoral enlargement), some of which may not fully reverse. For female performance goals, safer strategies exist outside of this compound.
Detection Window & Testing (Basics)
Testing protocols vary by organization and method. As a rule of thumb, detection windows for oral AAS can exceed the simple half-life due to metabolites. If testing is a concern, assume detection may persist well beyond the time you “feel off.” This guide does not advise evasion.
Legal Overview (Very Brief)
Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in many jurisdictions (EU/UK/US). Non-medical possession/use can be restricted or illegal. This is an educational resource only.
Glossary
- A50 / Anadrol 50: common slang for oxymetholone tablets.
- 17-α-alkylated: chemical modification that makes an oral steroid bioavailable but increases liver burden.
- SHBG: sex hormone-binding globulin; carrier protein affecting free hormone levels.
- Hematocrit (Hct): % of blood volume occupied by red cells.
- LC-MS/MS: sensitive lab technique for measuring hormones like estradiol.
- BP: blood pressure; track in the morning, seated, consistently.
- “Wet/Dry” look: gym slang for water-retentive vs. crisp/hard appearance.
Key Takeaways (Summary)
- Strong oral AAS; work in short windows with conservative doses.
- Typical 25–50 mg/day for 3–6 weeks covers most goals.
- Main risks: liver, lipids, BP, hematocrit — verify with labs.
- No double-oral stacks; avoid “super-wet” combinations.
- Stable testosterone base suits most; tune by labs and symptoms.
- BP control: sodium moderation, steps/cardio, omega-3s, sleep discipline.
- PCT by ester length; confirm recovery (TT/FT, LH/FSH, lipids, liver, CBC).
- Educational only; respect local laws and testing policies.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
PCT helps restore endogenous hormone production and stabilize mood, libido, and health markers after a short oxymetholone run. If you used a testosterone base, begin PCT when that testosterone clears (≈14 days after last Enanthate or 3–4 days after Propionate). If you only used oxymetholone (less common), you can usually start 24–48 hours after the final tablet.
Simple starting template
| Weeks | Compound | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Clomiphene | 50 mg/day | If sensitive to mood/vision, use 25 mg/day |
| 1–4 | Tamoxifen | 20 mg/day | Useful when a testosterone base was used |
| 3–4 | Lab check | — | TT/FT, LH/FSH, lipids, liver enzymes |
Practical tips
- Deload 7–10 days post last tablet; rebuild volume gradually.
- Protein 1.8–2.2 g/kg; reduce sodium/evening carbs if puffy.
- Regular sleep; steps/cardio help BP normalize.
FAQ
Is Oxymetholone okay for a first oral?
Usually no. It hits hard and carries more stress. If you still choose it, keep to 25–50 mg/day for ≤4–6 weeks and run proper labs/BP checks.
How fast will I see results?
Often within 7–10 days. Expect strength first and a fuller look from water/glycogen. Muscle follows with good training and food.
Do I need a testosterone base?
Most lifters feel and perform better with a base dose of testosterone. If estrogen from the base rises too much, adjust the dose or consider an AI only when truly needed.
Does Anadrol aromatize? Why “estrogen-like” effects then?
It doesn’t aromatize. The “wet” feel can come from other mechanisms (e.g., mineralocorticoid-like effects, fluid shifts). AIs won’t address that directly.
How do I manage blood pressure and water retention?
Conservative dosing, sodium moderation, steady-state cardio, adequate potassium/magnesium, and mid-cycle labs. If BP remains high, stop and reassess.
Conclusion
Oxymetholone can move the needle fast: strength climbs, the scale jumps, and training feels powerful. Respect the trade-offs: short cycles, reasonable doses, disciplined nutrition/sleep, and lab-guided decisions. Use a steady testosterone base for most programs and place “Anadrol windows” where strength is the priority.
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